Multiple hotels recognized for sustainability practices

More hotels are being recognized every day for adopting sustainability practices, with the most recent being the Courtyard Marriott Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. According to Seattle Pi, the hotel was awarded more than $119,000 after it overhauled its sustainability practices, installing energy efficient air conditioning systems and lights.

Hawaii Energy, a conservation and energy efficiency program, presented the award to the hotel after it retrofitted 400 guestrooms with air conditioning systems that turn off automatically when the rooms are un-occupied. A switch was also installed in the rooms to turn off air conditional when an outside door is opened. Additionally, the hotel replaced its halogen lamps, located in guestroom corridors, with diode lamps. Hawaii Energy also estimates that the hotel will save an additional $190,000 in electricity costs every year as a result of the changes.

GGC is based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. GCC is based in California, USA, is represented in over 83 countries and is also a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation.

These hotels are a part of a larger industry-wide push for sustainability, which is becoming necessary the more educated travelers become regarding the inner-workings of hotel operations. The Mother Nature Network reported earlier this month a survey of global business travelers found 47 percent of respondents believe it is important to stay in a green certified hotel during a business trip. A further 7 percent consider these certifications to be extremely important when choosing a property.

The survey also found that business travelers value what are perceived as "green features," when certified hotels aren't available. The surveyed professionals listed low energy lighting and a reduced usage of plastic materials as examples of green features.